Standards & Legislation

The Philippines considers taxing sugary soft drinks

PHILIPPINES - The Philippine House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has approved on first reading a bill that seeks to revise the excise tax on sweetened beverages including carbonated drinks.

Known as the “Soda Tax”, the House Bill 3365 is now up for 2nd reading before the plenary, and will affect sugary beverage products - defined as "a non-alcoholic beverage that contains caloric sweeteners, added sugar, or artificial/non-caloric sweetener."

The bill goes on to explain that such beverages “may be in liquid or solid mixture, syrup, or concentrates that are added to water or other liquids to make a drink."